All Rise...

Editor's Note

The Charge

"When my master says, 'Krull, do this thing,' I do the thing, whatever
it may be."

Opening Statement

Producer-director William Castle was best known as a purveyor of gimmicky
horror films in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He often introduced his films on
camera himself and sometimes returned at their end to provide an epilogue. These
brief clips were usually intended to allow him to explain the gimmick (a
giveaway insurance policy, a tingling seat, or special viewing glasses, for
example) that was associated with the current film. One of his offerings in 1961
was Mr. Sardonicus and the gimmick was a "Punishment Poll"
which purported to offer the audience the choice of selecting the nature of the
ending of the film.

Columbia has now made Mr. Sardonicus available on DVD as part of a
continuing series of William Castle film releases. Other titles available
include 13 Ghosts, Homicidal,
and Strait-Jacket.

Facts of the Case

Noted neurosurgeon Sir Robert Cargrave is summoned by his former lover Maude
to her home in Gorslava—a castle where she lives with her husband Baron
Sardonicus. The baron suffers from a terrible deformation of his face and covers
it with a mask whenever he comes out of his room. The deformation was the result
of a horrific act he performed as a younger man. Assisted by his faithful
servant Krull, Sardonicus forces Cargrave to treat him with an untested
procedure that Cargrave has been investigating. The results at first appear to
be successful, but it soon becomes apparent that all is not well.

The Evidence

Mr. Sardonicus is actually a rather diverting gothic horror film much
in the tradition of Universal's horror films of the 1930s and 1940s.
Unfortunately, its mood is affected adversely by Castle's appearance at the
beginning and near the end to introduce his stupid Punishment Poll gimmick. The
idea was that upon entering the theatre, each ticket buyer received a card that
could be raised in a "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" position
when Castle appeared on the screen to conduct the poll. The majority would
determine whether or not Baron Sardonicus suffered further for his actions. Of
course, only one ending was ever filmed so the poll really meant nothing; it was
simply expected that most people would vote for more punishment and that's the
way Castle scripted his poll segment and consequently the film's ending.

But to return to the film itself, it contains all the trappings of the
traditional atmospheric horror movie: a mist-enshrouded castle in a remote
eastern Europe-sounding locale; the mysterious owner of the castle with his
deformed assistant; a beautiful woman in peril; fearful local townsfolk; and
mysterious goings-on involving cemeteries, dead bodies, and torture. All this is
presented seriously and some real uncertainty and even shock is generated
effectively. The film, however, fails to take best advantage of its elements by
virtue of a plot structure that reveals Sardonicus's secret too early in the
story. The ending, while rebuilding some tension, is less satisfying than the
better horror films as a result, and then Castle's poll interrupts and
completely spoils any atmosphere of unease that has managed to redevelop.

The cast is not exactly packed with well-known actors. Best known is Oscar
Homolka who turns in a fine performance as Krull—a worthy counterpart to
various Igors we have known and loved in countless Frankenstein films. Homolka
apparently commented in later years that interviewers seldom asked him about his
collaborations with Hitchcock and other name directors, it was always about his
work in this film for William Castle. Guy Rolfe who plays Baron Sardonicus gives
his role a touch of class due to his patrician looks and the injection of a hint
of sadness to balance the madness that his condition has caused. Rolfe was a
British leading man and later character actor who probably had no other role
that brought him more attention than this one. The obligatory damsel in distress
is played capably by Audrey Dalton, a sort of Anne Francis clone. Ronald Lewis
makes for a rather bland Robert Cargrave.

Columbia provides us with a 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer for this black and
white film. The results are not bad. The image seems rather dark for the first
third of the film, with attendant loss of shadow detail, but it improves
thereafter with solid blacks and a good range of grays. Age-related speckling is
present, but it is not a major distraction. Edge enhancement is not a concern.
This transfer is average overall for DVDs of this vintage of production.

The Dolby Digital 2.0 mono audio track provides a generally pleasing
experience. Dialogue is clear; there's some decent base evident; and the screams
are effectively blood-curdling. Minor hiss is evident from time to time. English
and French sub-titles are provided.

Columbia has prepared a short making-of featurette called "Taking the
Punishment Poll." It runs a mere seven minutes and features comments from
film historians and Columbia repertory staff. You learn a little about William
Castle's approach to his films as well as some background on the cast. There's
no particular depth to the piece, but a new seven minute making-of featurette is
a lot more than many studios deliver for minor catalogue releases like this one.
Three theatrical trailers for William Castle films round out the disc: Mr.
Sardonicus, 13 Ghosts, and Strait-Jacket.

Closing Statement

Mr. Sardonicus is a neat little gothic horror film that effectively
evokes the memory of the fine Universal horror efforts made 15 to 30 years
previously. The story is interesting and compactly told, and benefits from a
competent cast anchored by a juicy performance by Oscar Homolka. Unfortunately
the film's atmosphere is marred by cheap theatricals by producer/director
William Castle. Columbia's DVD transfer is a workmanlike effort although the
company deserves credit for the short making-of featurette made for the DVD
release.

The Verdict

By a split decision, Mr. Sardonicus is found not guilty. Case
dismissed.